Penrith Castle
Penrith Castle
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III. Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park. Opening Times: Open in line with the surrounding parkland. 7.30am-9pm from 31 March to September, and 7.30am-4.30pm from October to 30 March. Access: Disabled visitors can access the park from Ullswater road (opposite the railway station). Paths are generally good around the park, though there are steps to access some areas of the castle. Parking: Parking is available around the town, with a few spaces at the park entrance. Facilities: There is a café within the park (not managed by English Heritage), and plenty of shops and places in Penrith, along with public toilets.
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See what travelers are saying
- Simon BaileyNottingham, United Kingdom139 contributionsPenrith CastleLocated opposite Penrith Train Station, in Penrith. I definitely can see a vision of improvements, such as; more information boards, accessible paths, interactive things for children to name a few. However it’s easy to access, & free!Thank you for visiting and your review. We are pleased you enjoyed the castle. Brougham Castle is less than two miles away from Penrith Castle. Brougham was once a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and a prestigious residence of the powerful Clifford family, and today the remains of the castle are picturesquely sited by the River Eamont. There is a shop selling gifts, drinks and snacks. Brougham, along with Countess Pillar, Mayburgh Henge and King Arthur's Round Table, can all be visited on a walk devised by the Eden Rivers Trust. Nicky English HeritageWritten July 11, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 9, 2023
- elaine-7Greater Manchester, United Kingdom195 contributionswe enjoyed the playground nearby tooThe nearby crazy golf and playground are great. We came across the castle ruins on a treasure trail of the town which also took us to the crazy golf and playground which the children loved. If you have kids then bring them here on a nice day. The ruins were very dramatic to look at and we visited on a lovely clear day so they looked really nice. Good for a picnic and over the road from McDonald’s (very busy!) and the train station.Thank you for visiting and your review. I have noted your comments which I will feed back to the appropriate teams The castle has a long history. Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III. Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park. Hopefully you will visit more English Heritage properties. Nicky English HeritageWritten July 11, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 13, 2023
- OwenthomasBerthoud, Colorado995 contributionsThe castle was built in 1396It was built by Ralph Neville to defend the English from Scottish invasions. It was later turned into a palace for Richard III. It is now a large ruin, located in a city Park. There is parking at the rail station across the road.Thank you for visiting Penrith Castle and your review. Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III. Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park. Read more about the history of Penrith Castle. Discover more of the history and mystery of the castle with a free 30-minute guided tour of Penrith Castle on Saturday 28th October 2023 at 1pm and 2pm. You can meet Joanna at the wooden bridge leading across the castle, where the tour begins. Please note: the tours are reliant on the availability of our volunteers and in very inclement weather the tour may not go ahead. Nicky English HeritageWritten November 28, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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304 reviews
Excellent
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Poor
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3
Tris1976
Birmingham, UK265 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
After travelling through the night to get to Scotland' we stopped off for a McDonald's breakfast. Across the road we found Penrith Castle which was free to walk around. It was great to read the information boards about the building's history and see the ruins. It's a nice place to stop off at and the green areas are perfect for picnicking.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
victoria B
Lincolnshire, UK577 contributions
Jun 2022
Set right in the centre of Penrith within a public park. Entrance is free, although the park gates seem to be locked at night.
Built of a red stone, there are no interior parts left to visit but it is still an interesting ruin and a good place for a picnic. There are no facilities but over the road there are plenty of takeaway places.
A popular place with local families where children climbed on the very low bits of the ruin well supervised by parents. There is no vandalism nor rubbish anywhere despite the numerous people enjoying picnics.
One side of the castle wall is more or less in tact and this helps to imagine how magnificent this former Royal residence was.
There is no parking for the castle but there are plenty of car parks in Penrith.
Built of a red stone, there are no interior parts left to visit but it is still an interesting ruin and a good place for a picnic. There are no facilities but over the road there are plenty of takeaway places.
A popular place with local families where children climbed on the very low bits of the ruin well supervised by parents. There is no vandalism nor rubbish anywhere despite the numerous people enjoying picnics.
One side of the castle wall is more or less in tact and this helps to imagine how magnificent this former Royal residence was.
There is no parking for the castle but there are plenty of car parks in Penrith.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting Penrith Castle and your review. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit.
Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III. Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park.
Brougham Castle is less than two miles away from Penrith Castle. Brougham was once a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and a prestigious residence of the powerful Clifford family, and today the remains of the castle are picturesquely sited by the River Eamont. There is a shop selling gifts, drinks and snacks.
Brougham, along with Countess Pillar, Mayburgh Henge and King Arthur's Round Table, can all be visited on a walk devised by the Eden Rivers Trust.
Hopefully you will get the opportunity to visit other English Heritage sites
Nicky - English Heritage
Written August 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GlennA946
Whitehaven, UK235 contributions
Oct 2021
Penrith Castle is a free tourist atrtaction next to Penrith railway station, but as one previous poster has pointed out, don't expect much. Basically, these are ruins of a 14th century castle that was once used by the infamous Richard 111 before he became king, and the moat and Red Tower are still intact. It's OK to wander around for a short period of time, but isn't an attraction like some other castles in Cumbria are.
Of more interest to families and people wanting some sporting activities is Castle Park, which adjoins the castle. From April until October, there is miniature golf, tennis courts and a bowling green. Also there is a play park for small children.
Of more interest to families and people wanting some sporting activities is Castle Park, which adjoins the castle. From April until October, there is miniature golf, tennis courts and a bowling green. Also there is a play park for small children.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
15Dee78
Doncaster, UK125 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Spent a few hours at Penrith castle today. The castle is free to explore and kids can enjoy climbing over the ruins. Beautiful well maintained grounds and a lovely decent sized park at the bottom. There’s also tennis courts and crazy golf which we played for £2 each. A lovely and cheap day out.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Owenthomas
Berthoud, CO995 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
It was built by Ralph Neville to defend the English from Scottish invasions. It was later turned into a palace for Richard III. It is now a large ruin, located in a city Park. There is parking at the rail station across the road.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting Penrith Castle and your review.
Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III. Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park.
Read more about the history of Penrith Castle.
Discover more of the history and mystery of the castle with a free 30-minute guided tour of Penrith Castle on Saturday 28th October 2023 at 1pm and 2pm. You can meet Joanna at the wooden bridge leading across the castle, where the tour begins. Please note: the tours are reliant on the availability of our volunteers and in very inclement weather the tour may not go ahead.
Nicky
English Heritage
Written November 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SPAN_Edgbaston
Southampton, UK114 contributions
May 2021
We stayed in a hotel in the town centre, so wandered up the road one sunny evening to see this. It’s a ruin, but quite atmospheric, with some useful information boards. There is a park next door with a beautiful tree-lined walk and a bandstand, which was a nice place to sit.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobBonHere
Lytham St Anne's, UK2,593 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited the castle as part of one of the published walks around the town. The castle is quite derelict with only a few parts still standing. There’s one information board provided that tells something about the history but a plan of the original and current parts of the castle would have brought the building more to life.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie R
Tewkesbury, UK591 contributions
Oct 2020
Interesting visit and a good place for a picnic although there is not much of the castle left to see. Parking on the road is possible and it is not far to walk into the town. It is free to go in to no pre booking
Written November 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam
Consett, UK3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Interesting local ruin with a nice park nearby
Penrith Castle was home to Richard Duke of Gloucester who later became Richard III .
The nearby park has a tennis court crazy golf and play park that are great for little ones.
The cafe by the bowling green is great for ice lollies and refreshments too.
Penrith Castle was home to Richard Duke of Gloucester who later became Richard III .
The nearby park has a tennis court crazy golf and play park that are great for little ones.
The cafe by the bowling green is great for ice lollies and refreshments too.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravellerfromGB
London, UK191 contributions
Dec 2020
A beautiful historical castle that hosted Kings and Queens across the street from the train station. It is partially ruined so is free to enter. Kids love running around it. A nice ten minute stroll at best but there is a nice park there too - again, it’s good for a short stroll but there are much better walks in the Lakes.
A good option if staying in the town and a must see if it is convenient - otherwise give it a miss.
A good option if staying in the town and a must see if it is convenient - otherwise give it a miss.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Penrith Castle
- Penrith Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Penrith Castle:
- (0.08 mi) Station Hotel Bar & Restaurant
- (0.23 mi) Premier Inn Penrith hotel
- (0.33 mi) Wayfarers Independent Hostel
- (0.35 mi) Blue Swallow Guesthouse
- (0.13 mi) The Castlegate Arms
- Restaurants near Penrith Castle:
- (0.18 mi) Grants of CastleGate, Restaurant
- (0.11 mi) Station Hotel
- (0.21 mi) Garden Tea Room
- (0.28 mi) Four & Twenty
- (0.15 mi) Howtown Tea Room
Penrith Castle Information
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